ACBF Signs a Historic Partnership Agreement with Washington DC-based Constituency for Africa (CFA) to Support the Foundation's US Diaspora Engagement

ACBF and the Constituency for Africa have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, designed to cement the partnership between the two organisations and paving the way for collaboration and advocacy on US/African affairs, leveraging diaspora engagement.

The MoU, signed at the World Bank's headquarters, provides an opportunity to further involve US stakeholders in ACBF's capacity building initiatives. The partnership will involve the joint convening of mobilisation events in support of Africa's development process, both on in Africa and in the United States of America; joint advocacy campaigns aiming at raising awareness on the importance of capacity development in Africa's development process, targeting the African American public in general and especially the African-American Community; harmonisation of interventions in order to scale up visibility and results and avoid duplication of effort, and joint efforts in mobilising resources in the American government, private sector, civil society and academic institutions and high net-worth individuals for financing ACBF's capacity development programs in Africa.

Speaking at the MoU signing, held on the fringes of the annual Ronald H Brown US-African Affairs Series in Washington DC, ACBF Executive Secretary, Dr. Frannie Léautier, said: "The Constituency for Africa is strategically placed to co-ordinate ACBF's outreach efforts with influential US stakeholders. Having a partner in Washington DC to work with us on critical areas of mutual interest will enable us to identify opportunities, effectively channel our technical resources and organise the coalitions required to support targeted capacity building interventions.: She added: "The United States is a founding member of ACBF and therefore we look forward to fostering new alliances around themes of common interest including capacity building for effective policy and implementation in areas of critical need in Africa such as energy, agriculture, science and technology and improving the effectiveness of the public sector in its partnership with the private sector in these areas. We are delighted that our major partner, the World Bank, has graciously hosted this milestone event with us."

Speaking at the same event, Melvin P. Foote, the Founder and CEO of the Constituency for Africa said: " I wish to especially thank ACBF for bringing a team to the 2012 RHB African Affairs Series as our partner. This year CFA specifically designed the RHB African Affairs Series around " Strategies for Engaging the Diaspora in Capacity Development in Africa", which reflects the opportunity for Africans outside the continent to partner with citizens on the ground to promote economic growth and progress in Africa and for the African people."

About the African Capacity Building Foundation

ACBF was established in February 1991. It is the outcome of collaboration between African governments and the international donor community. Its mission is to build sustainable human and institutional capacity for sustainable growth and poverty reduction in Africa.

ACBF's vision is for Africa to be recognized for its socio-political and economic capabilities and endowments – a continent with effective institutions and policies acquired through sustained investment in people and institutions. The Foundation is a leader, major partner and centre of excellence for capacity building in Africa. The African Union currently serves as an Observer on the ACBF Board of Governors.

Over the past twenty-two years, CFA has established itself as one of the leading organizations in the United States committed to educating and mobilizing the U.S. public on matters pertaining to Africa and the African Diaspora. As a result, CFA has done much to increase the level of cooperation and coordination among a broad based coalition of international organizations, businesses, and individuals committed to the progress, development and empowerment of Africa and African people

CFA organizes the Ronald H. Brown African Affairs Series, held each year in September in Washington DC, which coincides with the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference. The RHB Series has continued to serve as a unique platform for linking the CBC members and staff with African –focused organizations, African diplomats and policy makers, and the leadership of the grassroots community.

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